Grand Coulee Dam

[buechlerj]

We are going to the dam next week to see the show and would like to know if there are any low cost or free areas we could stay near the dam. We have a 32 foot travel trailer. Thanks, Joe.

[buechlerj]

We arrived at the casino on 7/2 and found all the RV parking open. It might have been the weather as it was 102. We missed the last tour and with it being so hot we headed for home. Thanks every one for the help, Joe.

[buechlerj]

Thanks for the info. The casino sounds like what we are looking for, hopefuly there will be a spot when we get there. If not we will continue east. Thanks, Joe.

[paulj]

Grand Coolee bridge - Google Maps SV

[Janss]

I don't recall a problem with the trees in town, but I have to admit crossing the bridge did scare the******out of me, only because a semi crossed the opposite way at the same time. I could have reached out and touched his mirror...with my elbow bent! But I made it okay and no problem coming back over.

Didn't even think about next week being July 4th. Don't have any idea how crowded behind the casino parking area gets then.

[Orion]

WE stayed at a campground there years ago, Sunbanks I think, and the full hookups sites were the tightest we have ever seen. The unit next to us had his slide out and it was partly over our concrete patio. We had to move our picnic table, so he could get into his compartments. If he moved further away from us, he couldn't get out of his door.
We were supposed to be there for a week, but left after two nights and got all our money back.
There is a small municipal park at the South end of Soap Lake, but that might be a bit far for you.

[skipnchar]

I"d be surprised if you can find a spot at ALL if you don't already have reservations. Every RV Parking lot and campground in the area usually books solid for the forth.

[2oldman]

Janss wrote:
You can stay a block behind the Coulee Dam Casino.!

Great idea!

The only caveat I would add is getting there. Coming thru town on 155 could be scary as the city doesn't trim those trees too often, and the bridge is narrow.

[Janss]

You can stay a block behind the Coulee Dam Casino.
http://www.colvillecasinos.com/casinos/coulee-dam-casino/
"Click for directions" at the bottom of the website. Zoom into the Google map and you can see the two nearly empty parking lots beginning at 6th St. and Fir St. have about six lined spaces for RVs (parallel to 6th St). You must go get an overnight parking permit from the casino. Can't remember how many nights they allow. You might want to call them to confirm. I stayed there last year and a few years before that.

This is really close to the dam and free!

[paulj]

Spring Canyon is the closest Lake Roosevelt Nat Rec area campground. Their prices are lower than state parks and most National Forest campgrounds.
http://www.nps.gov/laro/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

Use of WDFW (fishing access) sites requires a pass, $10/day, $30 annual (this pass is also good for day use at state parks).

http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/columbia_basin/access_sites.php

[MitchF150]

Steamboat Rock SP is nice, but could be booked up depending on what days you are going to be there...

Cost wise, I think it's around $33/night depending on what kind of site you get?

This is the view from site # 2. We had to reserve 9 mos ahead of time, but it's worth it! 🙂

Mitch

[Francesca_Knowl]

If you're coming from Spokane, is it fair to assume you're traveling via hwy2 and taking 174 north at Wilbur? This puts you off route for most of Banks Lake, where there is lots of free drycamping at WDFW-managed public access areas...

I've camped at Buffalo Lake on the Colville Indian Reservation- about fifteen miles northeast of the dam. Fifteen bucks a night, no amenities...they do have hookup sites but I don't know the rates.

Here's an article about Buffalo Lake.

ON EDIT

Found the current rates- twenty bucks now. Here's a link to the "resort" that I camped at- you'll note that it's cheaper to rent a CABIN than it is to rent a full-hookup Rv spot! I think the cabins have no inside plumbing... The whole place is a hoot- real throwback to the camps of my childhood.

[2oldman]

Just south of Electric City on Osborne bay there's a cheap area. Farther away in Coulee City is a nice CG on the south end of Banks.

You might find the Dry Falls/Sun Lakes area too far away at 34 miles.

[donn0128]

There is a nice state park at Dry Falls. That's not too far away. There is also a lot of what appears to be free dry camping along the lake south of the state park